19-man squad vs Salford

[EagleEyePie]

I understand he’s not as good as Zak or Marshall on the wing and I’m not saying he should start the match, what I’m saying is he will be good as a replacement later on in the match because Marshall won’t be 100% fit anyway. It worked last season with escare as a replacement for the latter stages of the match.

I'm not sure what difference replacing a winger is likely to make. If Marshall isn't 100% then there's no reason why Escare shouldn't start on the wing rather than risk someone who isn't fully fit.

Escare worked as an interchange player more because we could move Tomkins into the halves (and he would be quite effective there) and the players we were moving around (Leuluai and Powell) weren't particularly good in the halves.

Right now you've got Hardaker who is settling in to fullback quite well and who can't be moved into the halves. Escare struggled in the halves so he's not really an option there. For that reason I don't see how he works as an interchange player.

I could be wrong. I rate Escare very highly as an attacking player and I think he does have the edge over Hardaker in terms of speed, agility and handling which can be useful, I'm just not sure we're that desperate for a flashy attacking player. It's our defence that needs to improve and with that in mind, Hardaker is the best option at fullback and we need strong defenders in the defensive line.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

If Lam doesnt give Escare a shot and potentially rushs back marshall (im sure he was only due next week) then he needs shooting.

I know hes hard to fit in the squad but he add alot of energy which we are missing.

I would drop shorrocks just to give the lad a rest, it must be a massive mental challenge to be expected to be on the pitch 2 days after being in hospital.

I spoke to Marshy before the game & asked when he would be back? He replied Monday hopefully. So he must have been ready Friday.

The problem that we have no reserve team is these players have nowhere to go to get match fit!

He’s been fit for weeks, just waiting for clearance from the specialist who has been on holiday.

Edited by Josie - reply was inside the quote!

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Based on Friday’s performance you could leave any of our props out, plus Isa, Lockers and Tommy.

[Wiganer Ted]

In view of all the injuries it would be strange to leave Escare out of the 17.

Hardaker, Marshall, Hankinson, Gildart, Burgess, Williams, Smith, Tautai, Leuluai, Partington, Isa, Greenwood, O'Loughlin. Bench - Flower, Bullock, Escare Smithies.

[Southern Softy]

I'd put Hardaker in the centres and see what he's made of. I'm sadly coming to the conclusion that he seems to have lost that spark that made him an extraordinary player when at Leeds and Cas and he doesn't seem to want the contact that FB inevitably brings. Escare at FB can have a chance to make his name. Failing that ,leave Hardaker at FB and make the best of it and put Escare in the halves. We have to know if he's going to make it as a Wigan player - there's no point in having him being paid and not playing - it doesn't do the club or the player any good.

[Firestarter]

Morgan fullback and zak centre is a no brainer imo and especially in these conditions........ really looking forward too seeing young smith at 7

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

In view of all the injuries it would be strange to leave Escare out of the 17.

Hardaker, Marshall, Hankinson, Gildart, Burgess, Williams, Smith, Tautai, Leuluai, Partington, Isa, Greenwood, O'Loughlin. Bench - Flower, Bullock, Escare Smithies.

And it is strange that Paisley has not made the squad!

[morley pie eater]

I'd put Hardaker in the centres and see what he's made of. I'm sadly coming to the conclusion that he seems to have lost that spark that made him an extraordinary player when at Leeds and Cas and he doesn't seem to want the contact that FB inevitably brings. Escare at FB can have a chance to make his name. Failing that ,leave Hardaker at FB and make the best of it and put Escare in the halves. We have to know if he's going to make it as a Wigan player - there's no point in having him being paid and not playing - it doesn't do the club or the player any good.

My thoughts on Zac exactly. He often looks unsure under high balls and generally lethargic. I thought this may be just how he looks, but his effort on the Regan Grace try suggests otherwise. Maybe he needs something to give him a buzz?

I'd play Morgan.

[doc]

Zac is probably stronger than Sam in the tackle but seems to get caught out of position more than Sam did.

[moto748]

I think ZH has been solid, not much more. If he is 'far and away' the best full-back in SL. as plenty have claimed, he certainly hasn't done anything yet that marks him as a step up from the full-backs at our competitor clubs. And I think the suggestion I've seen made that he appears to be a bit too much of a Friend of The Pie (or something) may carry some, er, weight.

Can't agree with you Escaré enthusiasts. For me, as noted, not as good a full-back as ZH, and not as good a winger as Marshall. And isn't it fairly clear that he is anyway under some sort of a cloud at the club? He's given us some good moments, but I can''t see a future for him at Wigan.